Forget Me Not launches 4,745-mile cycling challenge for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice is calling on gyms, cycling clubs and businesses across West Yorkshire to take part in a fundraising challenge during Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from the 9th to the 15th of October.

The charity’s Shooting Stars Cycling Challenge aims to cover a combined distance of 4,745 miles, representing the 4,745 babies who, according to the charity, die during pregnancy or shortly after birth in the UK each year.

The challenge will raise funds to support families affected by the loss of a baby, while encouraging people across the region to take part in cycling activities in their communities.

Several gyms and fitness organisations have already signed up, including Village Gym Leeds South, Pure Gym Thorpe Park, Body Evolution Fitness (BEFIT) in Huddersfield, AVL Fitness Gym in Slaithwaite, Fourth Quarter Fitness, Valley Fit and 1Vigor in Halifax, Oragyms in Shepley, and Kirklees Active Leisure.

Aaron Van Leeuwen, owner of AVL Fitness Gym, said:

“Every one of those 4,745 miles represents a baby, a family and a loss that should never be forgotten. At AVL Fitness Gym, community means everything to us, and we’re proud to come together, push ourselves and help raise awareness for something that truly matters. As a gym owner, I’ve always believed a gym should be more than just a place to train, it should be at the heart of its community.

I’m incredibly proud that AVL Fitness Gym can play its part in such a powerful challenge and help turn 4,745 miles into awareness, support and remembrance.”

Participants do not need to belong to a gym to get involved, with the charity welcoming people to complete their miles at home or outdoors as well as at organised sessions.

Georgia Lane, fundraising manager at Forget Me Not, said:

“Our Shooting Stars Cycling Challenge is an opportunity to support families of babies whose lives shone brightly but far too briefly, like shooting stars. Every mile cycled and every pound raised will help our team provide vital midwifery support, counselling and a place for families to spend time with their babies, making precious memories to last a lifetime.

Anyone can join in, either at a participating gym cycle session, at home, or out and about on their bikes. Or they can jump on the static bike at Russell House, our purpose-built facility in Huddersfield on 10th October when we’re opening our doors to the public.

A big thank you to the gyms already signed up – but we want more to join them! If you’re part of a gym or cycling club that isn’t yet part of the challenge, give them a nudge – we’d love to hear from them!”

Russell House to open its doors to visitors

Alongside the cycling challenge, Forget Me Not will hold two open days at Russell House, its purpose-built hospice facility on Fell Greave Road in Bradley, Huddersfield.

The first, on Thursday the 8th of October, will be aimed at businesses and schools and will run from 10am to 4pm. A second open day, on Saturday the 10th of October, will be open to everyone from 10am to 2pm.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the hospice’s facilities, including its sensory room, hydrotherapy pool, cinema and soft play area. A static bike will also be available for those wishing to contribute to the cycling challenge.

Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice provides support for babies and children with life-shortening conditions and their families, including midwifery care, nursing, therapy, memory-making activities and bereavement support.

The charity says it needs £7 million to provide its services this year, with more than 80% of that amount needing to be raised through fundraising, retail and other income-generating activities.

Gyms, cycling clubs, businesses and individuals interested in taking part can find further information and register through the Forget Me Not Shooting Stars Cycling Challenge website.